Drone pictures taken of Gosport block devastated by ‘suspicious’ fire shows gaping hole in roof

As reported, the fire erupted at Somerset Court before burning through the stairwell and into the roof at around 12.30am. Firefighters have been at the scene this morning damping down hotspots. Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and are investigating.

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All persons were accounted for and four people were taken to hospital for burns, smoke inhalation and as a precaution. Four dogs and three cats were also rescued from the blaze. The Fire Investigation team and British Red Cross remain at the scene.

Ten fire pumps attended from Cosham, Fareham, Gosport, Havant , Portchester and Southsea. Breathing apparatus, jets, ventilation fans and an aerial ladder platform were used to tackle the incident. A comprehensive multi-agency response was used.

Aerial pictures of the fire taken at 7.30am this morning by Ian Levings reveal a giant hole in the roof of the block alongside damage either side of it. The images show the scale of the operation as around 60 firefighters fought the fire from front and back of the block.

Smouldering can be seen coming from the premises with firefighter apparatus being used to dampen down hotspots. Fire engines line the street and can be seen in the car park for the block.

A police spokesman said: ‘The fire is being treated as suspicious, and police remain on scene making enquiries with the fire service. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting 44230182829.’

A statement from the fire service added: ‘No cause has been established as of yet, but Fire Investigators will attend the scene. A number of flats have suffered damage in the blaze, with affected residents being temporarily rehoused in a nearby hotel.

‘Around 60 firefighters were on the scene at the height of the incident. The incident is scaling down with remaining crews damping down hot spots.’

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